Fold-out tray incorporated in an item of luggage

ABSTRACT

A fold-out tray incorporated in an item of luggage includes a support attached to an item of luggage, the support having an upper end and a lower end, a main panel, the main panel having a distal end and a proximal end, a first connector coupling the proximal end of the main panel to the support, the first connector permitting the main panel to be rotated between a first position against the support and a second position in which the main panel is substantially horizontal, and a brace comprising a proximal end contacting the support at a point below the proximal end of the main panel when the main panel is in the second position and a distal end contacting the main panel between the proximal end of the main panel and the distal end of the main panel when the main panel is in the second position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The device and methods disclosed herein relate generally to luggage, and particularly to fold-out trays for luggage.

BACKGROUND ART

People who are traveling often find themselves sitting with their luggage while waiting to board flights, or during layovers. Frequently, such time is used to catch up on work or messages, or to read an article or book. Many travelers will balance computers or other objects on their laps or on luggage items while engaging in such activity. This can be uncomfortable, as the surfaces on which objects are balanced may not be flat or stable, or may be at non-ergonomic heights; the effect of bad posture that results from hunching over a laptop on a suitcase or in one's lap can add significantly to the discomfort of travel.

Therefore, there remains a need for a portable work surface that can be incorporated in a luggage item.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In one aspect, fold-out tray incorporated in an item of luggage includes a support attached to an item of luggage, the support having a proximal end and a distal end. The fold-out tray includes a main panel, the main panel having a distal end and a proximal end. The fold-out tray includes a first connector coupling the proximal end of the main panel to the support, the first connector permitting the main panel to be rotated between a first position against the support and a second position in which the main panel is substantially horizontal. The fold-out tray includes a brace having (i) a proximal end contacting the support at a point below the proximal end of the main panel when the main panel is in the second position and (ii) a distal end contacting the main panel between the proximal end of the main panel and the distal end of the main panel when the main panel is in the second position.

In a related embodiment, the support is slidably engaged to an item of luggage. In another embodiment, the support further includes an extension handle connected to an item of luggage. In an additional embodiment, the support further includes a niche into which the main panel inserts when the main panel is in the first position. In another embodiment, the main panel also includes an extension that contacts the support when the main panel is in the second position, preventing the rotation of the main panel past the first position. In a further embodiment, the support also includes a downward-facing surface that contacts the extension when the main panel is in the second position.

In an additional embodiment, the connector is slidably engaged to the support. In another embodiment, the connector is affixed to the support. In a further embodiment, the distal end of the brace is slidably engaged to the main panel. In yet another embodiment, the proximal end of the brace is pivotally attached to the connector. In still another embodiment, the proximal end of the brace is pivotally attached to the support. In a further embodiment still, the main panel also includes a stopper that prevents the distal end of the brace from sliding toward the distal end of the main panel when the main panel is in the second position. In an additional embodiment, the distal end of the brace is pivotally connected to the main panel. In one embodiment, the proximal end of the brace is slidably engaged to the connector. In another embodiment, the proximal end of the brace is slidably engaged to the support.

An additional embodiment of the tray also includes at least one leaf pivotally coupled to the main panel, the at least one leaf free to rotate between a folded position in which the at least one leaf is resting on the main panel and a deployed position in which the at least one leaf is substantially adjacent and parallel to the main panel. In a related embodiment, the main panel also includes at least one lip that extends beneath the at least one leaf when the at least one leaf is in the deployed position, preventing the at least one leaf from further rotation away from the folded position. An additional embodiment includes a latch that secures the at least one leaf to the main panel when the at least one leaf is in the folded position.

Other aspects, embodiments and features of the disclosed device will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The accompanying figures are for schematic purposes and are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, each identical or substantially similar component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a single numeral or notation at its initial drawing depiction. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure. Nor is every component of each embodiment of the device and method is shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preceding summary, as well as the following detailed description of the disclosed device and method, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the attached drawings. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the pull-out tray;

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the pull-out tray;

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the pull-out tray;

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the pull-out tray;

FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the pull-out tray;

FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the pull-out tray;

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the pull-out tray;

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the pull-out tray;

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the pull-out tray;

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the pull-out tray;

FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the pull-out tray;

FIG. 4D is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the pull-out tray;

FIG. 4E is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the pull-out tray;

FIG. 4F is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the pull-out tray;

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment a portion of the pull-out tray with an extension;

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment a portion of the pull-out tray with an extension; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a portion of the pull-out tray with a switch to secure a leaf to a main panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the disclosed fold-out tray provide a compact and stable surface on which to place laptops or similar items. Travelers can deploy the tray to help them do work or read books or periodicals, and then stow the tray away when they have to move.

FIGS. 1A-B depict some embodiments of a fold-out tray 100. The fold-out tray includes a support 101. The support 101 is attached to an item of luggage. The support 101 has an upper end 102 and a lower end 103. The fold-out tray 100 includes a main panel 104. The main panel 104 has a proximal end 105 and a distal end 106. The fold-out-tray 100 includes a connector 107 coupling the proximal end 105 of the main panel 104 to the support 101. The connector 107 permits the main panel 104 to be rotated between a first position against the support 101 and a second position in which the main panel 105 is substantially horizontal. In some embodiments, the fold-out tray 100 includes a brace 108. The brace 108 may include a proximal end 109 contacting the support 101 at a point below the proximal end 105 of the main panel 104 when the main panel 104 is in the second position and a distal end 110 contacting the main panel 104 between the proximal end 105 of the main panel 104 and the distal end 106 of the main panel 104 when the main panel 104 is in the second position.

Viewing FIGS. 1A-B in further detail, the fold-out tray includes a support 101. The support 101 has an upper end 102 and a lower end 103. The support 101 may be a substantially rigid object that can hold the main panel 104 and connector 107 substantially stationary with respect to the support 101, so that items can be placed upon a work surface of the main panel. The support 101 may be made using any material or combination or materials used to make an item of luggage may be used to make the item of luggage, including natural and synthetic textiles, any rigid materials such as metals, rigid polymers such as plastic, wood, ceramic, fiberglass, or other rigid composite materials, and any flexible or semi-flexible sheets of natural or synthetic polymers.

The support 101 may include at least one mounting rod (not shown) bearing the connector; the at least one mounting rod may have any cross-sectional form, including any curved or polygonal form, and any combination of curved or polygonal forms. For instance, the at least one mounting rod may have a substantially circular cross-sectional form, or a substantially rectangular cross-sectional form. The at least one mounting rod may be a handle rod where the support is an extension handle as described below. The support 101 may include at least one mounting panel, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-D. The at least one mounting panel may be a substantially flat object. The shape of the at least one mounting panel may be substantially similar to the shape of the main panel 104; for instance, where the main panel 104 is rectangular, the at least one mounting panel may be rectangular. In other embodiments, the mounting panel is not substantially the same shape as the main panel.

The support is attached to an item of luggage. The item of luggage may be a receptacle used to transport articles during travel. For example, the luggage item may be a suitcase, a wheeled suitcase, an attaché case, a duffel bag, a backpack, a bag (e.g., a canvas or laundry bag), a briefcase, an item of wheeled luggage, a carry-on luggage item, or any other receptacle or platform for moving items about.

In some embodiments, for example as shown in FIGS. 1A-B and 3A-B, the support 101 includes an extension handle; the extension handle may be used to pull the luggage item on wheels (not shown). The extension handle may be attached to the luggage in any manner used to attach extension handles to luggage items. The extension handle may be retractable. For instance, the extension handle may include one or more telescoping sections, and the extension handle may be retracted by sliding the telescoping sections so that they nest within one another. In some embodiments, the extension handle is retracted by sliding the handle with respect to the luggage item; for instance, the at least one handle rod may each be slidably engaged on a track on the outside of the luggage. In some embodiments, the extension handle is slidably engaged inside of the luggage, for example, in a chamber of the luggage.

In other embodiments, the support 101 does not include an extension handle, as shown for instance in FIGS. 2A-D. The support 101 that does not include an extension handle may be attached to the luggage item in addition to an extension handle, or the extension handle may be absent entirely. The support 101 that does not include an extension handle may be attached to the luggage item in any manner acceptable for attaching an extension handle to the luggage item. In some embodiments, the luggage item includes a chamber 200 having an opening, and the support 101 is slidably engaged in the chamber 200. The chamber 200 may be attached to the exterior of the luggage item. The chamber 200 may be incorporated in the luggage item. The chamber 200 may also contain the extension handle as described; in some embodiments, the support 101 is engaged in the chamber between two handle rods of the extension handle. In other embodiments, the support 101 is offset from the handle to the front or back. The support 101 may be capable of sliding into its extended or retracted position independently of the handle. The opening of the chamber 200 may be on a different surface of the item of luggage from the handle; for instance, support 101 may be configured to deploy when the luggage item is on its side. In some embodiments, the support includes a slot (not shown); in some embodiments, there is an interior rod (not shown) in the chamber, and the slot of the support slidably admits the interior rod.

In some embodiments, fold-out tray 100 includes an engagement latch (not shown) configured to keep the proximal end of the support within the chamber when the support is in the extended position. In some embodiments, the fold-out tray 100 further includes a button 201 at the top end 102 of the support 101, and an actuator (not shown) disposed in an interior space of the support, the actuator coupled to the button and to the engagement latch, wherein the actuator is configured to move linearly in the direction of the engagement latch when the button is depressed, and the engagement latch is configured to move into the disengaged position when the actuator moves linearly in the direction of the engagement latch. The engagement latch (not shown) may fix the lower end 103 of the support 101 to the interior rod either when the support 101 is extended or retracted; the engagement latch may also secure the lower end 103 to the chamber directly.

In other embodiments, the support 101 is not slidably engaged to the item of luggage. For instance, proximal end of the support 101 may be affixed to the item of luggage. In other embodiments, the proximal end of the support 101 is coupled to the item of luggage by a second connector (not shown). The second connector may be a hinge.

In some embodiments, the support 101 further comprises a niche 111 into which the main panel inserts when the main panel 104 is in the first position. The main panel 104 may be substantially flush with the outer surface of the support 101 when in the first position. The niche 111 may be substantially the same shape as the main panel 104.

The fold-out tray 100 may include one or more features that secure the main panel 104 in the first position. For instance, the tray 100 may include a strap (not shown) that secures the main panel 104 in place. The tray 100 may include a groove and tab arrangement that holds the main panel 104 in place. The tray 100 may include one or more fasteners, such as snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, or buckles, that secure the main panel 104 in place. In some embodiments, for instance as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-B, the fold-out tray includes a tray latch 112 configured to fix the main panel in the substantially vertical position when the tray latch is engaged. In some embodiments, the tray 100 includes a button physically coupled to the tray latch, and the tray latch is configured to disengage when the button is depressed. The button may be the button 201 that disengages the latch fixing the support 101 relative to the luggage item. In other embodiments, the button is a different button; for instance, one or more buttons may be on the side of the support 101 near the top end 102, and drive actuators (not shown) that disengage a vertically oriented latch. The tray latch 112 may also include a member that can rotate between a latched position overlapping the main panel 104 when the main panel is in the first position, thus holding it in place, and an unlatched position in which the member does not overlap the main panel 104, leaving the main panel free to rotate between the first and second positions. In some embodiments, where the connector 107 is slidably engaged to the support 101, one or more structural elements prevent the rotation of the main panel 104 until the connector 107 has been slid up to a certain height on the support; the structural element may include the lower flaps of a pocket as described below or a rigid box-like structure within the support or the luggage into which the connector 107 and main panel 104 can slide. Likewise, a similar structural element may prevent the rotation of the main panel 104 when the support, where slidably engaged to the luggage item, is partially or fully retracted.

In some embodiments, for instance as shown in FIGS. 4A-4 the support 101 includes at least one pocket 400 that contains the main panel 104 when the main panel 104 is in the first position. The at least one pocket 400 may have one or more flaps 401 that may be closed to secure the contents of the pocket 400 or opened to access the contents of the pocket 400. The one or more flaps 401 may be secured in their closed position by one or more fasteners (not shown), such as a hook-and-loop fastener, a zipper, a button, a snap, hook-and-loop fastener, or any other type of fastener or combination of fasteners suitable to secure the contents of the pocket 400 when the one or more flaps 401 are closed.

In some embodiments, where the support 101 includes a pocket 400, the main panel 104 stows in the pocket when rotated into the first position. The stowing process may involve rotating or sliding the main panel 104 down to stow it completely within the pocket 400, and securing it in place by closing the pocket 400.

The fold-out tray 100 includes a main panel 104. The main panel 104 has a proximal end 105 and a distal end 106. The main panel 104 may be constructed from any material or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the support 101. In some embodiments, the main panel 104 has a work surface; the work surface may be substantially flat. The work surface may be facing up when the main panel 104 is in the second position; the work surface may be substantially horizontal when the main panel 104 is in the second position, where the work surface is substantially horizontal when a user may rest an object such as a dish, book, laptop, or similar consumer good on the work surface and rely on the combination of gravity and friction to keep the object stationary on the work surface. The upper surface of a table or desk may be substantially horizontal in the current usage. The work surface of the main panel 104 may have any shape conducive to the use of the main panel to support objects in a manner similar to a table or desk. The perimeter of the work surface may combine any regular or irregular polygonal or curved forms; for instance, the perimeter of the work surface may be substantially rectangular. The perimeter of the work surface may be substantially rectangular except for a curved indentation at one end; the curved indentation may be substantially semicircular.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5A-B, the main panel 104 also includes an extension 500 that contacts the support 101 when the main panel 104 is in the second position, preventing the rotation of the main panel 104 past the first position; in other words, the extension 500 prevents gravity from continuing the rotation of the main panel 104 beyond the second position and allowing objects placed thereon to fall off. In some embodiments, the support 101 also includes a downward-facing surface 501 that contacts the extension 500 when the main panel 104 is in the second position, as shown in FIG. 5B. The downward-facing surface 501 may be mounted on a plate portion of the support 101 behind the connector 107, where “behind” signifies on the other side of the connector in the horizontal direction from the side of the connector on which the main panel 104 is located when in the second position. The downward-facing surface 501 may be mounted on flexible portion of the support 101 with sufficient tension to hold a substantially rigid surface or shelf in position. In some embodiments, there are a plurality of downward facing surfaces 501 permitting the extension 500 to engage when the tray is at varying heights with respect to the support 101. The downward-facing surface 501 may also be part of a hole through the back panel. The back panel may be a part of the support 101, or may be a separate structure attached to the support 101.

In other embodiments, the extension 500 points downward in a vertical direction when the main panel 104 is in the second position, and prevents the main panel 104 from rotating further, for instance by contacting a substantially rigid, substantially vertical surface of the support 101.

In other embodiments, the connector 107 is constructed to have a range of motion substantially limited to 90 degrees; as a result, the main panel 104 may be held in its second position by the lower limit of the range of motion permitted by the connector 107.

Returning to FIGS. 1A-B, the fold-out-tray 100 includes a connector 107 coupling the proximal end 105 of the main panel 104 to the support 101. The connector 107 permits the main panel 104 to be rotated between a first position against the support 101 and a second position in which the main panel 104 is substantially horizontal. The connector 107 may include, without limitation, a hinge or ball joint. The main panel 104 may be substantially horizontal where the work surface of the main panel 104 is substantially horizontal as described above.

In some embodiments, the connector 107 is slidably engaged to the support 101. For instance, the connector 107 may be slidably mounted on at least one mounting rod (not shown) making up a part of the support 101; for instance, a hole through a part of the connector 107 may fit snugly but slidably on the at least one mounting rod. In some embodiments, the connector 107 is mounted on the at least one mounting rod using a sleeve fixed to the connector 107, the sleeve fitting snugly around the at least one mounting rod. The mounting rod may, for instance, be one or more handle rods making up an extension handle, or an additional rod. In other embodiments, the connector 107 is slidably engaged within the niche 111; for instance, the connector 107 may have one or more extensions (not shown) inserted into grooves 111 in walls of the niche 111, so that the connector is able to travel up and down length of the grooves. The connector 107 may be so formed that the connector 107 cannot be easily removed from the grooves, for instance by virtue of the connector having planar surfaces closely fitted against the walls of the niche 111 that contain the grooves. Persons skilled in the art will be aware of alternative ways that the connector 107 may be slidably engaged to the support 101.

The fold-out tray 100 may include one or more means to stop the connector from sliding up or down while the main panel 104 is being used to support an object. In some embodiments, the weight of the main panel 104 itself, or the weight of an item placed on the main panel 104 in combination with the weight of the main panel 104 itself, fixes the position of the connector 104 with respect to the at least one mounting rod or groove through static friction. In some embodiments, the connector 107 has a latch (not shown) causing the connector 107 to remain in a fixed position with respect to the support 101; the latch may be any suitable latch to engage a connector to a rod. In some embodiments, the latch may be a spring-loaded bolt or pin mounted in the connector 107 that engages a hole or slot in the support 107, and which the user must push or pull out of the hole or slot to enable the connector 107 to slide again; the connector 107 may have an object on its outer surface that the user may push or pull to disengage the bolt or pin. In other embodiments, the at least one mounting rod has an obstruction, such as a flange, that arrests the connector's movement when it has been slid to the proper height for moving the main panel 104 into the second position; likewise, where the connector travels in grooves as described above, the grooves may end where the connector 107 has reached the correct height to fold the main panel 104 into the second position. The latch may engage automatically and disengage automatically given sufficient force by the user.

In other embodiments, the connector 107 is affixed to the support 101. For instance, where the support 101 is slidably engaged to the item of luggage as described above, the support 101 may be extended to a position where the main panel 104 can be moved into the second position, and fixed there by a latch or other device.

Returning to FIGS. 1A-B, in some embodiments, the fold-out tray 100 includes a brace 108. When the main panel is in the second position, the brace may be in deployed position, in which the proximal end 109 contacts the support 101 at a point below the proximal end 105 of the main panel 104 and the distal end 110 contacts the main panel 104 between the proximal end 105 of the main panel 104 and the distal end 106 of the main panel 104; the proximal end 109 may be connected to the support 101 either directly or indirectly by attachment to the connector 107. In some embodiments, the distal end 110 of the brace is slidably engaged to the main panel 104. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 1A-B, the distal end 110 of the brace 108 may be engaged between two walls 114 that project orthogonally to the underside of the main panel 104, where the underside is the side of the main panel 104 opposite from the work surface. The two walls 114 may have grooves (not shown) in which extensions from the distal end 110 of the brace are inserted, so that the distal end 110 remains in contact with the main panel 104 and slides along the underside of the main panel 104 as the main panel 104 rotates between the first and second positions; alternatively, the two walls 114 may have lips (not shown) that project out substantially orthogonally from the two walls 114, effectively creating a groove between the lips and the underside of the main panel 104. In other embodiments, the distal end 110 is kept in slidable contact with the underside of the main panel 104 by other means; for instance, a biasing means (not shown) such as a spring or counterweight may urge the brace in a vertical direction to contact the underside of the tray.

The distal end 110 of the brace 108 contacts the main panel 104 at a point between the proximal end 105 of the main panel 104 and the distal end 106 of the main panel when the main panel 104 is in the second position; the point of contact may be at least one quarter of the length of the main panel 104 from the proximal end 105 of the main panel 104. Where the distal end 110 of the brace 108 is slidably attached to the main panel 104, the point of contact of the distal end 110 of the brace 108 with the main panel 104 may be closer to the distal end 106 of the main panel 104 when the main panel is in the second position than when the main panel 104 is in the first position; in other words, the distal end 110 of the brace 108 may slide toward the distal end 106 of the main panel 104 when the main panel 104 is rotated into the second position, and may slide toward the proximal end 105 of the main panel 104 when the main panel is rotated into the first position. In some embodiments, the main panel 104 includes a stopper 113 that prevents the distal 110 end of the brace 108 from sliding toward the distal end 106 of the main panel 104 when the main panel 104 is in the second position. The stopper 113 may combine with the orthogonally projecting walls 114 described above to form a niche in which the distal 110 of the brace 108 slides.

The proximal end of the brace 109 may be pivotally attached some distance below the proximal end 105 of the main panel 104. In some embodiments, the proximal end 109 of the brace 108 is pivotally attached to the connector 107; in other words, the connector 107 may extend downward to where the proximal 109 end is attached. As a result, where the connector 107 is slidably attached to the support 101, the proximal end 105 of the main panel 104 and the proximal 109 of the brace 108 may travel up and down with the connector 107. In other embodiments, the proximal end 109 of the brace 108 is pivotally attached to the support 101.

In other embodiments, the proximal end 109 of the brace 108 is pivotally fixed to the support 101, and the distal end 110 of the brace is not attached to the main panel; the main panel 104 may rest on the distal end 110 with out being attached to the distal end 110. For instance, the brace 108 may be able to pivot between a stowed position and a deployed position. The distal end 110 may be closer to the support 101 in the stowed position than in the deployed position. As a non-limiting example, the brace 108 may have a substantially triangular form, in which one side is hinged to the support 101 by a connector having an axis of rotation substantially vertical; the brace 108 may pivot outward so that the distal end 110 contacts the main panel 104 when the main panel 104 is in the second position. In another non-limiting example, the brace pivots vertically; that is, the brace may pivot about a substantially horizontal axis, between a stowed position in which the distal end 110 of the brace 108 is against the support and a deployed position in which the distal end 110 has swung outward and downward. There may be a biasing means, such as a spring or weight, that urges the brace 108 from the stowed position to the deployed position. In some embodiments, a mechanism that holds the brace 108 in the stowed position until the user deploys the main panel 104; in one embodiment, the mechanism is the connector 107, and the brace 108 deploys when the connector is slid upward with respect to the support 101. In another embodiment, the brace 108 is restrained by a latch, a pocket, container that holds the support, 101, or other barrier, as described above for restraining the main panel 104. The user may push the brace back into the stowed position prior to folding up the tray.

In other embodiments, the distal end 110 of the brace is pivotally connected to the main panel. The proximal end 109 of the brace 108 may be slidably engaged to the connector 107; the slidable engagement may be accomplished as described above for the slidable engagement of the distal end 110 to the main panel 104. The connector 107 may further include a stopper (not shown) that prevents the proximal end of the brace from sliding toward the lower end of the support when the main panel 104 is in the second position; the stopper may function similarly to the stopper of the main panel 104 described above. The proximal end 109 of the brace 108 may be slidably engaged to the support 101; the slidable engagement may be accomplished as described above for the slidable engagement of the distal end 110 to the main panel 104. The support 101 may further include a stopper (not shown) that prevents the proximal end of the brace from sliding toward the lower end of the support when the main panel 104 is in the second position; the stopper may function similarly to the stopper of the main panel 104 described above.

In other embodiments, the brace 108 is pivotally connected to the main panel 104 and not connected to the support 101; for instance, the for instance, the brace 108 may be able to pivot between a stowed position and a deployed position. The proximal end 109 may be closer to the main panel 101 in the stowed position than in the deployed position. As a non-limiting example, the brace 108 may have a substantially triangular form, in which one side is hinged to the main panel 104 by a connector having an axis of rotation substantially horizontal when the main panel 104 is in the second position; the brace 108 may pivot downward so that the proximal end 109 contacts the support 101 when the main panel 104 is in the second position. In another non-limiting example, the brace pivots proximal end 109 of the brace 108 is closer to the proximal end 105 of the main panel 104 and a deployed position in which the proximal end 109 has swung downward to a point on the support 101 farther from the proximal end 105 of the main panel 104. There may be a biasing means, such as a spring or weight, that urges the brace 108 from the stowed position to the deployed position. In some embodiments, a mechanism that holds the brace 108 in the stowed position until the user deploys the main panel 104; in one embodiment, the brace 108 is restrained by a latch, a pocket, container that holds the support, 101, or other barrier, as described above for restraining the main panel 104. The user may push the brace back into the stowed position prior to folding up the tray.

The brace 108 may be mechanically coupled to the main panel 104 so that moving the main panel 104 from the first position to the second position also moves the brace 108 into its deployed position. The mechanical coupling may be accomplished, for instance, by a lever joining the brace 108 to the main panel 104 or one or more gears joining the brace 108 to the main panel 104 or to the connector 107. The brace itself may extend as the user pulls the tray out; the brace 108 may also retract when the user moves the main panel 104 back to the first position, by means of the mechanical coupling, or the user may have to move the brace 108 back to the stowed position. The brace 108 may have a lock that secures it in the extended position. The user may press a button (not shown) to disengage the lock.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A-B, the fold-out tray 100 also includes at least one leaf 300 pivotally coupled to the main panel 103. The at least one leaf 300 may be free to rotate between a folded position in which the at least one leaf 300 is resting on the main panel 104 and a deployed position in which the at least one leaf is substantially adjacent and parallel to the main panel 104. The at least one leaf may have a work surface. In some embodiments, the at least one leaf is joined to the main panel 104 by at least one connector that permits the at least one leaf 300 to be rotated from a folded position resting on the main panel 104 to deployed position adjacent to the main panel 104 so that the work surface of the at least one leaf 300 acts as an extension to the work surface of the main panel 104. In some embodiments, where there are two leaves, 300, a first leaf may have a connector having a larger offset than the connector of a second leaf, so that the first leaf can rest on top of the second leaf when the second leaf and first leaf are in the folded positions. The one or more leaves 300 may have any form suitable for the form of the main panel 104; in some embodiments, the one or more leaves 300 have substantially the same shape as the work surface of the main panel 104. The one or more leaves may be constructed from any material or combination of materials suitable for the construction of the main panel 104. The one or more leaves 300 may be substantially rigid, similarly to the main panel.

The at least one connector may support the one or more leaves 300 in their deployed positions. In other embodiments, the main panel further includes at least one lip 301 that extends beneath the at least one leaf 300 when the at least one leaf is in the deployed position, preventing the at least one leaf 300 from further rotation away from the folded position; in other words, the at least one lip 301 may support the at least one leaf 300 in the deployed position so that the work surfaces of the at least one leaf 300 and main panel 104 together function as a stable support surface similar to a desk or table. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the fold-out tray 100 includes a latch 600 that secures the at least one leaf 300 to the main panel when the at least one leaf 300 is in the folded position.

FIGS. 4A-4F show the process of deploying and using one embodiment of the fold-out tray 100; the distal end 106 of the main panel 104 may be detached from the support 101; for instance, where the main panel 104 is stowed in a pocket incorporated in the support, the pocket may be opened. Likewise, a latch engaging the main panel 104 to the support 101 may be disengaged. The main panel 104 may be slid upward, either by sliding the connector along the support 101 or by sliding the support 101 itself upward. The main panel 104 may be rotated to the second position, and each leaf may be rotated into deployed position. An object such as a laptop may be placed on the deployed tray.

It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fold-out tray incorporated in an item of luggage, the fold-out tray comprising: a support attached to an item of luggage, the support having an upper end and a lower end; a main panel, the main panel having a distal end and a proximal end; a first connector coupling the proximal end of the main panel to the support, the first connector permitting the main panel to be rotated between a first position against the support and a second position in which the main panel is substantially horizontal; and a brace comprising (i) a proximal end connected to the support at a point below the proximal end of the main panel when the main panel is in the second position and (ii) a distal end contacting the main panel between the proximal end of the main panel and the distal end of the main panel when the main panel is in the second position.
 2. The fold-out tray of claim 1, wherein the support is slidably engaged to an item of luggage.
 3. The fold-out tray of claim 1, wherein the support is connected to an item of luggage.
 4. The fold-out tray of claim 3, wherein the support further comprises an extension handle connected to the item of luggage.
 5. The fold-out tray of claim 1, wherein the support further comprises a niche into which the main panel inserts when the main panel is in the first position.
 6. The fold-out tray of claim 1, wherein the main panel further comprises an extension that contacts the support when the main panel is in the second position, preventing the rotation of the main panel past the first position.
 7. The fold-out tray of claim 6, wherein the support further comprises a downward-facing surface that contacts the extension when the main panel is in the second position.
 8. The fold-out tray of claim 1, wherein the connector is slidably engaged to the support.
 9. The fold-out tray of claim 1, wherein the connector is affixed to the support.
 10. The fold-out tray of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the brace is slidably engaged to the main panel.
 11. The fold-out tray of claim 10, wherein the proximal end of the brace is pivotally attached to the connector.
 12. The fold-out tray of claim 10, wherein the proximal end of the brace is pivotally attached to the support.
 13. The fold-out tray of claim 10, wherein the main panel further comprises a stopper that prevents the distal end of the brace from sliding toward the distal end of the main panel when the main panel is in the second position.
 14. The fold-out tray of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the brace is pivotally connected to the main panel.
 15. The fold-out tray of claim 14, wherein the proximal end of the brace is slidably engaged to the connector.
 16. The fold-out tray of claim 134, wherein the proximal end of the brace is slidably engaged to the support.
 17. The fold-out tray of claim 1 further comprising at least one leaf pivotally coupled to the main panel, the at least one leaf free to rotate between a folded position in which a first surface of the at least one leaf is resting on the main panel and a deployed position in which the first surface of the at least one leaf is substantially adjacent and parallel to the main panel.
 18. The fold-out tray of claim 17, wherein the main panel further comprises at least one lip that extends beneath the at least one leaf when the at least one leaf is in the deployed position, preventing the at least one leaf from further rotation away from the folded position.
 19. The fold-out tray of claim 17 further comprising a latch that secures the at least one leaf to the main panel when the at least one leaf is in the folded position. 